The Chicago Bulls are entering the 2026 NBA Draft with two powerful picks, including the No. 15 selection that could quietly reshape this franchise. Everyone is talking about the No. 4 pick, but what happens at 15 might matter just as much. Three players keep showing up in mock drafts for that spot. And at least one could be a steal.
What the Bulls Are Really Building Toward in 2026
Chicago enters this draft in a position they have not been in for years. Holding two first-round picks, including a top-five selection, gives the front office real options to reset a roster that has struggled to find its identity for far too long. At No. 4, all eyes are on North Carolina standout Caleb Wilson and Duke center Cameron Boozer. The decision between those two will likely depend on what the Memphis Grizzlies do one spot ahead at No. 3. **But while everyone debates the top pick, the No. 15 selection is quietly setting up to be just as important for the Bulls’ long-term future.** The mid-lottery range in the 2026 draft class is stacked. Several prospects with high ceilings are expected to slip into that range, and Chicago is in a perfect spot to grab genuine value on draft night.
Jayden Quaintance Could Be the Defensive Anchor Chicago Needs
One name that keeps showing up for the Bulls at 15 is Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance. And when you look at his profile, the fit makes total sense. Quaintance is a rare blend of size, length, and athleticism at the five. He can protect the paint, contest shots, and switch onto guards when the play demands it. Those traits are incredibly hard to find at any point in any draft, let alone at pick No. 15. The one worry surrounding Quaintance is real. He dealt with an ACL injury during his time at Kentucky, which raises fair questions about his long-term durability and his ability to stay healthy at the next level. But here is the thing about betting on him at this range.
- Natural paint protection instincts that cannot be coached into a player
- Nimble enough to defend in space and chase guards around screens
- Size, length, and explosion that already project as NBA-level traits
- His offensive role is simple: catch lobs, finish putbacks, stay out of the way
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has Quaintance going to the Bulls at 15, writing that “if he can get back to full strength, he has game-breaking upside on the defensive end.” **A healthy Quaintance at No. 15 would be a massive value pick for any team with the patience and medical staff to support his recovery.** The risk is real, but for a rebuilding team like Chicago, it is the kind of calculated gamble that can pay off for a decade.
Labaron Philon Is the Point Guard Solution Bulls Fans Have Waited For
Let us be direct about this. The Bulls have been spinning their wheels at the point guard position for too long. No clear answer, no real leader with the ball in his hands, no identity at the position that matters most. Labaron Philon from Alabama could finally change that story. The sophomore had a breakout season that turned heads across college basketball. He nearly doubled his scoring output from his freshman year, relying on buttery floaters, a deceptive handle, and sharp instincts for running an offense and finding the right play at the right time. **Philon does not just score. He makes the people around him better, and that quality is exactly what the Bulls need from their lead guard going forward.** Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor flagged Philon as a smart fit for Chicago at 15, pointing to his sophomore development and his natural feel for running an offense as separating traits. There are fair questions about his frame. He weighs under 180 pounds and plays below the rim, both of which will be tested the moment he faces NBA physicality. But weight and strength can be built in a professional strength program. Playmaking instincts? Those are nearly impossible to teach.
Hannes Steinbach Gives Chicago the Size and Versatility to Win
The third option might fly under the radar for casual fans, but front offices have been taking a long look at Washington big man Hannes Steinbach, and it is easy to see why. Steinbach cleans the glass consistently, catches everything thrown his way, and fits naturally between the power forward and center roles. That kind of positional flexibility is exactly what modern NBA teams demand from their frontcourt players. CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein has him going to Chicago and calls him a player with “elite hands and a high-volume rebounder” who is capable of playing both frontcourt spots on most nights. Here is how all three prospects stack up side by side:
| Player | College | Position | Top Strength | Main Concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Quaintance | Kentucky | C / PF | Elite defense and shot blocking | ACL injury history |
| Labaron Philon | Alabama | PG | Scoring and playmaking | Thin build, below the rim |
| Hannes Steinbach | Washington | PF / C | Rebounding and versatility | Positional fit in the NBA |
The most exciting scenario involves pairing Steinbach with Caleb Wilson, who the Bulls may land at No. 4. **That frontcourt combination would give Chicago youth, size, and real versatility all from a single draft night.** That is the kind of long-term building block move that separates front offices that think one year ahead from the ones thinking five years ahead. The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most meaningful nights this franchise has had in recent memory. Whether the Bulls go with Quaintance’s defensive ceiling, Philon’s playmaking vision, or Steinbach’s steady and reliable production, the No. 15 pick gives Chicago a real chance to add a future cornerstone. The decisions made in June will echo for the next decade, and Bulls fans have every reason to be locked in. Drop your take in the comments below and tell us who you want Chicago to pick at No. 15. Share your pick with friends using #ChicagoBulls on social media.
